A different graduation
With his newest class of 11 recruits, including one from Fitchburg, ready to graduate after completing numerous interviews, mental health screenings, physical fitness metrics and a rigorous 12-week academy at the Worcester County Sheriff ’s Office, Sheriff Lew Evangelidis was ready for their latest recruits to take their official oath and begin active duty.
A normal rite of passage for the 52 previous Basic Recruit Training Academies has been a large graduation ceremony full of Sheriff ’s Department traditions with friends and family. Many of the ceremonies are held at Anna Maria College in Paxton.
This year’s WCSO Basic Recruit Training Academy No. 53, like graduation ceremonies around the country in the era of coronavirus, was very different.
A private, socially distanced and masked ceremony provided by Evangelidis was held on the grounds of the Sheriff ’s Department.
In all, the 11 recruits and a small group of the training staff were in attendance.
During the very brief ceremony, a masked Evangelidis thanked the recruits for “stepping up to assist the department in our critical mission of public safety, especially during this challenging time that we all find ourselves in,” Evangelidis said, while adding he
“could not be more proud of this class.”
Officer Michael Fleming of Fitchburg was one of the graduating recruits and was the recipient of the Paul J. Westberg Banner Award, given to the recruit that demonstrates the most effort and enthusiasm during the academy.
During the ceremony, the recruits avoided the traditional cadence-style entrance, presenting of the colors and customary pinning.
Instead, the recruits remained stoic, masked and socially distanced in their seats until it was time to stand to take their official oath as correctional officers. All were grateful to have a ceremony, which was streamed on Facebook Live for their families to see.
“In this uncertain time, we felt it was important to recognize the hard work and accomplishments of our newest correctional officers. I know the recruits and their families appreciated the small, safe and private ceremony we provided,” Evangelidis said. “Now, they will begin the important work done every day at the Sheriff ’s Department to help protect public safety and make Worcester County a safer place.”